DanActive, Activia claims land yogurt company in hot water

WASHINGTON — Yogurt brand Dannon agreed to drop what government officials are calling "exaggerated health claims" for two of its products.

Dannon’s parent company, Danone, will pay $21 million in fines for claiming in nationwide ad campaigns that DanActive helps prevent colds and flu, and that one daily serving of Activia relieves temporary irregularity and helps with “slow intestinal transit time.” In TV, Internet and print ads, as well as on product packaging, Dannon also stated that there was scientific proof to back up these claims, the Federal Trade Commission said.

The FTC’s crackdown is part of the organization’s expanded efforts to make sure that marketers do not overstate the health benefits of their products.

“These types of misleading claims are enough to give consumers indigestion,” said FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz. “Consumers want, and are entitled to, accurate information when it comes to their health. Companies like Dannon shouldn’t exaggerate the strength of scientific support for their products.”

Beech-Nut launches baby food line with Green Giant

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. — Beech-Nut has rolled out a new line of baby foods it has co-branded with Green Giant.

Each product is made with natural ingredients that will please parents and children alike.

"Green Giant shares our lasting commitment to childhood nutrition, superior quality standards and delicious tasting foods. Moms and retailers agree: This is another great value-building innovation from Beech-Nut and its new licensing partner, Green Giant," said Evan Eckman, chief marketing officer for Hero North America, parent company of Beech-Nut.

Kimberly-Clark joins United Nations Global Compact

DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark has joined more than 8,000 companies and groups in participating in the world’s largest corporate citizenship and sustainability initiative.

As a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, Kimberly-Clark will further improve its sustainable efforts by collaborating with other leading organizations that are focused on a responsible future, the company said.

"As part of our long-standing commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability, Kimberly-Clark has been centered on similar values that the UN Global Compact promotes in industries and economies worldwide," said Suhas Apte, VP global sustainability at Kimberly-Clark. "We’re honored to sign on to the Global Compact’s 10 principles and pledge our support to continue engaging in collaborative projects to advance sustainability on a broader basis."

The protein drinks contain pea-protein, nine grams of sugar, no more than 160 calories, and come in four flavors, while the cold-pressed juices come in two options and contain seven ingredients and no sugar.

Forgotten Password

Registration complete

REGISTER

USERNAME *

Spaces are allowed; punctuation is not allowed except for periods, hyphens, and underscores.

E-MAIL ADDRESS *

A valid e-mail address. All e-mails from the system will be sent to this address. The e-mail address is not made public and will only be used if you wish to receive a new password or wish to receive certain news or notifications by e-mail.

Password *

Confirm Password *

Please choose a password for your account; it must be 8 - 30 characters. .

First Name *

Last Name *

Company Name *

Job Title *

ZIP *

Are you a *

Retailer or Healthcare professional

Non-Retailer

How many stores do you operate?: *

Which best describes the business/industry you work in?: *

Which best describes your job title?: *

Please select the newsletters you would like to subscribe to

DSN A.M.
Daily news stories covering the retail drug industry

Breaking News
First-to-the-market with developing stories in the industry